The last week has literally flown by and looking back on my camera it is easy to see why! There was so much happening in the lead up to the Busselton Half Ironman. Then race day was hear and gone, but some of the muscle soreness has decided to stick around!
The Journey began down in Margaret River. Wez and I drove down on Wednesday for a relaxing stay in our Holiday Home and a nice steak on the BBQ.

Gorgeous views from the T.V. Room at Margaret River
Thursday was school visits with fellow Pro Nicole Ward. McKillop in Busselton and Dunsborough Primary school. The kids had so many questions, some we would never had even thought about ourselves.
The funny thing was, I could have blended in as one of the students if I hadn’t been in my awesome K-Swiss gear!

School Visits - The Kids from McKillop School in Busselton
Friday morning began with a Breakfast to help fundraise for Brad Hosking who is taking part in the Tour of Duty run across America to remember all of the fallen service men and women from September 11. He completed the 21.1km run on the weekend in his full Fireman’s uniform with cylinders and still completed it in 1.38! Unbelievable!
The afternoon was all about the kids! A small kids triathlon on and the Pro’s were there at the finish line to congratulate them and give them a whole heap of cool prizes!

Trystars Kids Triathlon - The Pro's handing out Choc Milk and Prizes!
RACE DAY!!
What can I say! It was awesome racing at home! The crowds and spectators were amazing and TWA/Tri Events run such a great event. I knew Lisa was firing and expected her to dominate. For me, it was about getting the most out of the body after a big lead up into Ironman Lanzarote which is in 2 1/2 weeks.
Unfortunately, the swim continues to frustrate me. Especially when I have been working so hard on it, swimming lots, and hitting some good times in the pool for me. But when it comes to the swim in a race, AAGGHHH!! Maybe I just need to more open water, wetsuit swimming practice! Once it comes together, I can’t wait!
Out of the water I knew the work was to be done and just put my head done to ride as hard as I could. The new two lap bike course was a great idea spreading the field out, and the Pro’s pretty much had the entire first lap out there on their own. The wind began to pick up in some areas towards the end of the second lap, but I knew I had ridden hard when I got off my bike ran into transition. The legs were like jelly, I felt like I normally did in an Ironman. This run was going to be interesting!
3 x 7km, the course is easy to break down and that is what I did. Coming off the bike in 4th I was determined to get on the podium. It is easy to see on this course when you are making ground on those in front and therefore you are encouraged to push on. I caught Amelia half way through the run but didn’t know if I would have enough time to get Katrina who was having an awesome race. At the least turn around with just over 3 km’s to go I got her. From then on it was push, push, push, don’t look back and get to that finish line!
The crowds began to become thicker. I saw Kerry standing in the sidelines yelling into her phone, “Hear comes Kate, it’s Kate!” and finally I thought I could smile!
Crossing the finish line, I couldn’t move! The legs were smashed! But I loved it!
Mentally and physically it had been a great workout. Giving me a lot of confidence in the way things are heading. But most importantly, besides general muscle soreness. the back, the groin, nothing out of the ordinary was hurting! Good signs!

Travis completed his first Half Ironman on the weekend! And as you can see, straight into the recovery of champions!
It was time to enjoy and relax for a while! Catch up with friends. Exchange war stories, and for me, begin my Ironman Taper!! Yah!

The After Party! Busso always puts it on! Race Day and Post Race celebrations! Nic had a fantastic race considering her heavy Ironman Training load. Watch out for her in Japan!

Everyone was happy to be finished! Jane, Wez and Yvonne! Check out that Dockers Beanie!! He was even more happy on Sunday after the Derby Victory!
Congratulations to everyone who raced on the weekend! Lisa and K-Swiss Team Mate Luke on dominate performances. TWA/Tri Events and all the spectators. You under estimate how a little “your looking great” (even if you aren’t telling the truth!!) Can pick you up!
Finally to my fantastic team of supporters and sponsors, I couldn’t do any of this without you!
Mum and Dad!! Coach Jeff Shilt, K-Swiss, Blue Seventy, Novatron, Ryders Sunglasses, Tony Bence Massage, Ruth Chang Mobile Physiotherapy, Skins, Computrainer, Selle SMP Saddles and everyone else who believes in me!
Time to get packing for the USA!!